Today marks the start of my countdown to Black Belt. Not the start of the journey, but the start of the increased commitment and dedication to Black Belt Excellence. Already we are starting to form a team with the others that we know will be joining us. These are people we have long trained with, but it takes on more meaning when you know that they will be the ones who will be there with you for the most grueling challenges as well as the uplifting moments. I'm hoping there are more of the latter, but I imagine the challenges will be what defines us as a team.
This morning I am equally amazed and inspired by witnessing the final run of this year's Black Belt candidates' power weekend. Knowing I'll be in their shoes in a year from now has me terrified and excited. The strength of this year's team just blows me away. Overcoming injuries, personal challenges, and lack of sleep and then facing a 5K run in the cold wind and snow (!) shows the depth of their attachment to each other. Looking around at the faces of those who will be my team, and witnessing the bonds of this year's team makes me already proud for what I know we will accomplish together.
People don't really talk about power weekend, except in the most general terms. Grueling, exhausting, never ending burpies and pushups -- these are the snippets that a non-initiate gets. It's almost like a secret ritual, like the Ritual of the Calling of an Engineer. Or maybe more like Fight Club. No one talks about it. I've heard it compared to labour by the other women I admire that have gone through both. It's terrible, and painful, but you forget the pain and focus on the accomplishment. I think this is why it has a special meaning for me that Power Weekend usually falls on Mother's Day. That I will be there with my firstborn next year is already making me tear up.
As I start down this road, I call to mind my favourite poem for any path I have followed. It was also read on our wedding day, and I'm glad beyond words that David and I have yet another road to travel on together:
The Road goes ever on and on
Down from the door where it began.
Now far ahead the Road has gone,
And I must follow, if I can,
Pursuing it with eager feet,
Until it joins some larger way
Where many paths and errands meet.
And wither then? I cannot say.
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Home is behind, the world ahead,
And there are many paths to tread
Through shadows to the edge of night,
Until the stars are all alight.
Then world behind and home ahead,
We'll wander back to home and bed.
Mist and twilight, cloud and shade,
Away shall fade! Away shall fade!
Fire and lamp, and meat and bread,
And then to bed! And then to bed!
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